Describes ways in which current software for the early childhood classrooms can be enhanced to better match the developmental abilities of children and the playful ways in which they naturally learn. Offers six suggestions for improving future software options, including decreasing the need for adult instruction and interaction, and designing…

Examines the concept of kindergarten enrichment programs, highlighting questions about the relationship between the "basic" kindergarten curriculum and the "enrichment" component. Concludes that, although such enrichment programs are an unlikely place for child-centered curriculum practices, a child-centered enrichment program may be a useful way…

Examines the appropriateness of environmental education for young children. Concludes that in helping young children become good citizens of the earth, it is better to focus on fostering a sense of wonder and awe than on facts and warnings. Children can come to know the earth through experiences in which they discover the wonder and beauty of the…

Reviews five books on developmentally appropriate teaching, and two volumes from a series on an interpersonal cognitive problem-solving program. (HTH)

Presents revised version of 1987 statement, which emphasized that the provision of high-quality early childhood programs depends upon three basic needs being met: high-quality programming for children, equitable compensation for staff, and affordable services for families or other consumers. (HTH)

Suggests that the growing interest in project work in early childhood education is in response to the call for developmentally appropriate practices. Defines projects and discusses the beginning of a project. Discusses the three phases of the "construction site/house project" by four- and five-year olds and provides responses to…

Summarizes eight recent ERIC documents and seven journal articles on mixed-age grouping. Includes discussions of teaching in the multiage classroom, Kentucky's Primary Program, developmentally appropriate practices in the primary grades, thematic instruction, attitudes toward mixed-age grouping, and questions and answers about mixed-age grouping.…

Discusses the many uses of rebuses in the preschool environment. Describes how the use of rebuses streamlines routine activities and enables many different activities to be offered without chaos in a busy environment. Teacher-planned activities become child directed, the children get reading and writing practice, and independence and appropriate…

Assesses articles in this special issue on reconceptualizing early childhood education. Maintains articles are based on conception of education in which teachers are not concerned with adopting a canon but with developing sensitivity needed to see children's place in their community and society and to structure classroom activities that encourage…

Considers the value of preschool children saying the Pledge of Allegiance daily in their classrooms. Suggests that there may be better ways to help children grasp abstract concepts like patriotism and to provide developmentally appropriate ways to explore the symbol of the flag. (LB)

Differences between developmentally appropriate and traditional classroom practice include the following: integrated vs. separate curriculum, meaning-driven vs. skill-driven, incidental vs. explicit learning, heterogeneous vs. homogeneous grouping, ready now vs. getting ready, child-centered vs. teacher-directed, autonomy vs. heteronomy, previous…

Maintains that Fowell's and Lawton's article, "An Alternative View of Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education," misrepresents both content and intent of National Association for Education of Young Children's position statement on developmentally appropriate practices for programs serving four and five year olds, as illustrated…

Presents reviews of several professional books concerning such topics as teacher preparation programs; the suitability of childhood education projects for development of children's knowledge skills, positive disposition, and feelings; a developmental approach to the social studies; and literacy development that focuses on whole language. (BB)

Investigated the characteristics of early childhood education teachers who both state a belief in developmentally appropriate practices and engage in these practices in their classrooms. Found that beliefs were strongly correlated with practice, and were related to high personal teaching efficacy and internal locus of control, academic background,…

Homework substantially affects high-school students' achievement, benefits junior-high kids only half as much, and elementary kids negligibly. Homework can be an effective teaching tool when districts, schools, and teachers flex and coordinate their policies, stress developmentally appropriate assignments, and try alternatives to homework.…